Well I wanted start my build and tank journal so everyone can lend some advice along the way. I have been waiting to get a little progress to start a thread so I have some pictures to share. Been doing a lot of research and taking it slow. I recently got a 55gal tank and a 29gal free and have always wanted a salt tank. So here we go. I'm in the process of building my stand with a future upgrade to 120 gal tank. I know getting a larger tank to start is what is advised, but you can not beat free. I also got two 4 bulb T5 fixtures for free that are going to be turned into a led 5 combo. Let me know what you think. Tank is older so I was able to drill and make a weir and overflow with some glass I had. Still working on stand, but it's coming along. Have heater and jabeo pump. Need to order rock, sand and ro/di.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170701/ce8084bd7adbcb70e49261016a77739b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170701/dfc619d6ee2ad74d0b24eee74467ee42.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170701/f76bb2395a01ff1a7212919ee99b05c8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170701/3f6c182fec1a3d8d3159fef60c7a5668.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170701/2ff323b9b3d90de6eca2a7adf470de49.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170701/790ece3f9b5e241e3cbaca376cf9f110.jpg

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scuglass

06/30/2017, 11:13 PM

Stand looks cool, never thought about putting a drawer in before. Could also be a good place for cord management.

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jphayes921

07/01/2017, 09:50 AM

I am hoping to finish the stand in the next week or so. I will post progress pictures. I figured this would be a fun build since I do not see any 55gal with a drilled overflow since newer tanks are usually tempered.

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Devaji108

07/01/2017, 10:54 AM

sounds like you are on the right track! nice job on the external over flow box. saves so much space.
yeah cant bet free + you get a chance to see if you enjoy the hobby before going bigger give your self a year or so with this 55 you will learn alot make a few mistakes but with help here not as many if we where on our own cant even imagine...haha

so whats the plan for the tank?

jphayes921

07/01/2017, 11:52 AM

Plan right now is to get it setup and cycling. Ultimate goal is a reef tank. Want some lps and maybe some sps way down the road. I need to drive about 1.5hr away to an lfs that isn't a Petco. Although the Petco near me has a guy that is big into reef tanks that takes care of the fish so the stock there is pretty good, but the other store is recommended by a friend of mine that has a fowlr tank. I am still researching my list for fish, but a fire angel is at least one. Always wanted one. I need to also go for a 1$ tank sale to get a qt tank setup as well. I'm thinking a 10-20gal will work for now.

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jphayes921

07/03/2017, 08:55 PM

Quick update. Got some more boards put on the stand. Dark stain or light stain? Corn hole boards I build for reference.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170704/41f38bf6733dc7f8ad6dba22f9d69206.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170704/e15f5eadae54a9b2044151def6b096d2.jpg

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Clowning_Around

07/03/2017, 10:56 PM

I like the dark but weathered look if it has some hints of gray it helps disguise any salt deposits from dribbles before u clean them. I went black/gray with mine for that reason...

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jphayes921

07/03/2017, 10:59 PM

Thanks that helps. The body of the stand has marine paint to help seal the wood. I also plan on a ton of poly to help protect the outside wood.

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Reefpuck

07/04/2017, 08:48 PM

Very cool stand build! Following along.

Deephouse_jedi

07/04/2017, 08:53 PM

Wow! Great build, thanks for sharing. Love it so far.

jphayes921

07/04/2017, 09:06 PM

Thank you. I appreciate the comments. I will hopefully finish the stand this week. I need to order some more stuff but might do a mock up with tanks and maybe start some plumbing.

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jphayes921

07/04/2017, 10:25 PM

With me lighting setup and build I have a 4 bulb T5 that I want to add LEDs as well. I'm thinking one of the black boxes. Will this be too much? Should I and separate switches for each t5 bulb?

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Arnallop3

07/05/2017, 12:13 AM

Great build so far. Similar size to my build as well. 55 gal and 30 ruby sump. I'll keep watching progress. I'm on same boat but not as nice of a stand. Great job though. Keep us posted

jphayes921

07/10/2017, 08:02 PM

Stand stained. Needs lots of poly to protect wood. Then on to plumbing!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170711/8328c203d7c54a1823f6d54b5fb66260.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170711/51f8e97a9a4946c79ad8502e6ab5bbb3.jpg

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jphayes921

08/01/2017, 09:13 PM

Test fill. Hopefully finish plumbing this week. Then move it to it's home in the basement. My stand makes the 55gal look tiny. Time to keep an eye out for a 120gal.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/1f6d2a91d19b269e939de7e085f06820.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/976f3a016626f70e61d0e4a3c088f06f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/512a9954fb06cd09c1ab98a069472799.jpg

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LuizW13

08/02/2017, 12:05 PM

Digging that stand

jphayes921

08/02/2017, 03:09 PM

Thank you. I wish I would have done a more natural stain, but I do like it.

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d0ughb0y

08/03/2017, 11:37 AM

what color stain did you use? and what poly or varnish or protectant?
I just finished assembling my diy stand (also with drawer) and deciding on stain color and I like the color you picked.

jphayes921

08/03/2017, 11:52 AM

I'll send the stain code and polyurethane gloss when I get home. Both from Menards.

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jphayes921

08/06/2017, 07:01 PM

what color stain did you use? and what poly or varnish or protectant?
I just finished assembling my diy stand (also with drawer) and deciding on stain color and I like the color you picked.See picture for colorhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170807/297668d762ce97cddb81d04abbea1aad.jpg

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rfgonzo

08/06/2017, 10:29 PM

Your off to a good start, tag

d0ughb0y

08/07/2017, 10:19 AM

See picture for color

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thanks!

which polyurethane did you use?
I'm thinking the oil based spar urethane satin finish.

jphayes921

08/09/2017, 10:10 AM

I used the same company oil based triple thick poly.

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RobZilla04

08/17/2017, 08:13 AM

Looking really nice!

Reefpuck

08/17/2017, 02:38 PM

Stand looks great. I have a bunch of reclaimed wood sitting around and was thinking of doing something similar.

jphayes921

08/17/2017, 03:08 PM

Thanks. I just got my RO/DI system in. Hopefully get it hooked up this weekend and filling some cans to start soaking some rock. Plumbing almost done, pics to follow. Then on to my lights. Have t5 fixtures, but needs some modification to go in a hanging canopy.

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jphayes921

08/20/2017, 07:21 PM

Quick update. RO/DI hooked up and running. Making water. Rock and sand ordered and on it's way. Went with Marco rocks. Plumbing almost finished, just test fitting right now. Then need to paint some of it to hide. Let me know what you think about the plumbing. Running 1" drains and 1" return split to 2 @ 3/4".https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170821/2bc3f3f115dd85831e6b315de152cd90.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170821/5ebfa77ebf11b5d6131496ae8463b029.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170821/f6b6d245b72cccbece8d163f74c34ee7.jpg

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Nixy

08/22/2017, 09:16 AM

Any new updates here? I love your cabinet and am anxious to see it all completed with the tank up!

Nixy

08/22/2017, 09:17 AM

Any new updates here? I love your cabinet and am anxious to see it all completed with the tank up!

I didn't see the last post which was just updated 2 days ago. Ignore my question. :)

jphayes921

08/22/2017, 09:25 AM

Soon. I am waiting on orders. I also have some out of town business next month. This will give my rock some time to cure.

jphayes921

08/24/2017, 06:18 PM

Rock showed up. Still waiting on sand. Need to finish gluing pipe. What do you think? Also this is dry rock from Marco rocks and it's nice. Should I cure for some time before filling tank?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170824/b9aac1af55b1cdc6d24510eee67841aa.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170824/637ffc2889eed5c711aabaa1f69a2c6b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170824/4e4338b509698c6ec5f73f6f73db6928.jpg

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jphayes921

09/21/2017, 09:05 PM

Getting some light in the sump area for working. A cheto light will go in as well but on a timer. Plumbing is done. Now need to move the stand and tank to final spot. Get gfci and new break installed.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170922/61be53168a788f406e5268b004681189.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170922/ab7276a58d262f101f1098a60d7d6bfe.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170922/3c288e9ec667fc5767be6ac9d30b3673.jpg

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iliriano6

09/21/2017, 10:12 PM

Looking nice.

Frictionless

09/23/2017, 09:30 AM

How did you attach the wood pieces of your "door"? Wood Glue? Or is there a thin piece of something they are attached to. I have been thinking of making a similar door for my tank but unsure of how to make the door

jphayes921

09/23/2017, 11:43 AM

Pieces of vertical wood behind glued and nailed together.

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jphayes921

10/04/2017, 08:42 PM

Water is going in. Will need to build my light fixture, but that will be soon. Only got 32gal in. Need to make more water....any donations for a ro booster pump would be appreciated. Not sure how I like the scape but a 55gal is hard to scape. Got some good hiding spots and 2" from front glass.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171005/9546851fdc752556a5335bdbc865da84.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171005/f2b9cdb2d47b4f3f03ac138119439b24.jpg

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jphayes921

10/04/2017, 08:43 PM

Yes that is old shag. Tank took priority over new carpet. Hahahah

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jphayes921

10/20/2017, 08:57 PM

Almost cycled. Nitrites slowly going down. Then a nice water change and some cuc.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171021/4b30eaa73384f29f340d760a67d69872.jpg

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jphayes921

10/22/2017, 07:49 PM

Added some clean up crew today. Think I need more. Only a dozen small hermits and two snails.got a hitch hiker brittle star it looks like in some extra shells.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/8aea53967e4937bf6f04f581be76bd37.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/f543d4be772faa44ee35e5e529e428a2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/63f9f4ea95720f088fbd6bb28edf0871.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/de23349618128225ec9a6aa9926cb209.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/a410375fd7e6315ae49a28e91f0587df.jpg

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James404

10/22/2017, 08:06 PM

Good job so far, I'm really digging the stand. What is the wood above the tank though? Is that the canopy?

jphayes921

10/22/2017, 08:08 PM

Good job so far, I'm really digging the stand. What is the wood above the tank though? Is that the canopy?Canopy. It has a t5 fixture built in. Needs centered. Same wood as stand.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/b868fefc427475515af23c5e7711c491.jpg

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James404

10/22/2017, 08:19 PM

Ah cool, makes sense now :)

jphayes921

10/22/2017, 09:24 PM

Star decided to come out when light went out. I'm sure it will be a while till I see him again. I addicted now!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/f2410f09d42682025503ce6b24970890.jpg

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Techhnyne

10/23/2017, 03:24 AM

Good job

jphayes921

10/25/2017, 07:52 AM

Finally a Fish. He is doing well in his new home. Hasn't eaten yet. Was interested just spot it back out. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171025/acce4309581d4917aa464bf7ec37ccf7.jpg

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jphayes921

11/10/2017, 07:06 AM

More fishhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171110/4f4ba3dfdf1eb559cdc5770db1a2f073.jpg

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jphayes921

11/11/2017, 09:46 PM

Just a few quick pics. All are eating well and Coraline is starting to cover rocks. Wife is almost more excited than I. She is stoked to go to LFS tomorrow to look at fish. She wants a sea horse and I told here we would need another tank for that and she said well let's look into it. So possibly another build soon. Need to get another T5 ballast so I can run my antics for an hour before lights out. The blues are so pretty and the clown looks amazing. Cheato is on the docket for tommorow as well. Need to start an export since I am out of NOPOx although I like a little algea it makes the tank seem more natural.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171112/c483d9442b23dda86b377045d841ddc3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171112/53a55ad529d110ac6a2c7ca782d747ac.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171112/8c4670c2cda64c7987c72ca1a2f39b56.jpg

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jphayes921

11/15/2017, 10:47 AM

Some new pictures.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171115/37d4d42b64bf82a2cddcd781ec2b804e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171115/c18928d644c0bd7392b1e56f8cab22dd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171115/2a6caae6b0d024f592b752b72b054409.jpg

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jphayes921

11/18/2017, 01:19 PM

Pods emerged today. Not bad for a fairly new tank. Dino was starting. Dosed some kh Coraline grow to bring dkh up and turned down the light and no more dino. Hair algea is going down since I added chaeto. I think I need some coral...http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5a108775b18f4/2017-11-18-14-16-13.mp4

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iliriano6

11/18/2017, 07:52 PM

Some new pictures.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171115/37d4d42b64bf82a2cddcd781ec2b804e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171115/c18928d644c0bd7392b1e56f8cab22dd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171115/2a6caae6b0d024f592b752b72b054409.jpg

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If memory serves me right. You want Ron take those little starfish out ASAP forgot their name. But they could and will eat any zoas you put in the tank. Peppermint shirt will do the trick too.

iliriano6

11/18/2017, 07:56 PM

Astorina starfish... that what I think they are call

jphayes921

11/18/2017, 08:15 PM

Astorina starfish... that what I think they are callIt will stay in my sump. Found some aptasia in the chaeto today as well. All good for sump. If they make it to dt I will remove.

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iliriano6

11/18/2017, 10:15 PM

It will stay in my sump. Found some aptasia in the chaeto today as well. All good for sump. If they make it to dt I will remove.

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Sorry buddy but if itís the sump. They might be in your dt already.

jphayes921

11/19/2017, 05:59 AM

Sorry buddy but if itís the sump. They might be in your dt already.At this moment I am ok with it.